Kizza Besigye Charged with Treason, Denied Bail in Uganda

Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been charged with treason alongside his aide Obeid Lutale and UPDF soldier Denis Oola, amid accusations of plotting to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni's government. The allegations include organizing meetings in various international locations to gather military and financial support for their efforts against the Ugandan state. Besigye, who appeared frail and was wheeled into court, has been in custody since November 16, 2023, and recently initiated a hunger strike due to his declining health. The court has remanded the accused to Luzira prison until March 7, 2025, while denying requests for private medical attention, citing the capital nature of the charges. Amnesty International has condemned Besigye's detention as a violation of human rights, urging for his release on humanitarian grounds. The political tensions in Uganda are escalating as Besigye's family and supporters continue to demand his freedom, claiming the charges are politically motivated.